PUTLOS TRAINING AREA, Germany (June 19, 2024) German Rear Adml. Stephan Haisch and Capt. Scott Hattaway, director of Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC), listen to a briefing of the mine countermeasures (MCM) exercises that were completed during BALTOPS24 in the DJC2 tent that served as the command center for the SMWDC during BALTOPS24. BALTOPS24 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Sandi Grimnes Moreno)